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 Previous: League to FCC: Order an End to Arbitrary Access Limits to BPL Database |  Next: Surfin': Some Short Bits |
By Robert Bastone, WC3O
radiofreebob@att.net
February 24, 2006
As hams, we are always looking for a new way to promote our hobby and build relationships. Let me tell you about something that we have done with our local clubs that has helped bring us closer together socially.
I am sure that ham radio in your community is similar to ham radio around the Pittsburgh area in that hams have other interests beyond Amateur Radio. Hams are people and a part of our society and like other people in the community we pursue many various interests. These other interests and hobbies can be a great way to strengthen our radio clubs because, after all, a ham radio club is a social organization.
 Bob Bastone, WC3O |
One thing we have come up with is the "multi-club event". One very popular event is school bus racing. The group event was first organized by Bill, N3BPB, of the North Hills Amateur Radio Club as has been a big hit for years.
The races take place a local dirt track. School bus racing has become a big spectator sport that takes place at the beginning and end of every school year. These races are a BLAST! It's Americana it its' finest. These busses FLY around this little track!
The management of the racetrack welcomes groups and advertises their attendance to the crowd. The club members get excited when the public address announcer makes an introduction to the crowd that welcomes the members of the three Amateur Radio clubs. Members of the North Hills Amateur Radio Club, Skyview Radio Society and the Three Rivers Area Monitoring Association meet for dinner before the event and have a great time at the races.
At Skyview Radio Society, we have our annual "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid" event. This is a target shooting event where anyone from any of the clubs are welcome to participate. Members get together and go to a local shooting range where we punch holes in paper and have a dandy time. Participants are instructed in the safety rules adopted by the National Rifle Association.
Another multi-club event that we have is attending a Star Party. Star Parties are free public events sponsored by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, a local amateur observatory in the Pittsburgh area.
As with most social events the club members meet for dinner beforehand and travel up to the observatory to enjoy spectacular sights. We are currently with the observatory folks to set up a special event Amateur Radio station on a star party night.
The North Hills Amateur Radio Club has had success with two nets that they have started. Ken, WA3FKG, started the scanner net that has transformed into TRAMA, or Three Rivers Area Monitoring Association. The Rail Fans Net was started by Dennis, KB3HPC, where local train enthusiasts get together on the air and talk about their passion.
Activity on the scanner net has introduced Amateur Radio to a lot of folks that listen to signals on scanning radios. Many of these listeners have been motivated into getting their Amateur Radio licenses.
Twice a year, once in spring and once in fall, members of the clubs make a road trip to Amateur Electronic Supply (AES) near Cleveland.
The good folks at AES put up signs welcoming us and we have a great time test driving the equipment and buying items on our wish lists.
The food theme follows through at this event also as we all meet for breakfast before traveling and we have lunch together to break up the shopping spree.
By carpooling to Cleveland we are able to share gas expenses and have plenty of room to haul back those nice new transceivers and other goodies bought at AES.
Amateur Radio clubs are people with an interest in ham radio as well as other things not ham radio. Sharing experiences is a great way to solidify friendships and expose your members to things that they may otherwise have never pursued before. It is a great idea that works well.
Don't get discouraged if the idea doesn't take of quickly. Continue to invite members of neighboring clubs to join in joint events. It takes time to build relationships.
Plan your events and field trips well in advance so people have time to plan around them. Make sure that events are well publicized and provide plenty of information and a contact person.
Draw from each successful event or activity. Look at what
you have done that has gone right and what could be improved. Fine tune your
events, and you will have a hit on your hands. Go ahead and try it!
| Previous: League to FCC: Order an End to Arbitrary Access Limits to BPL Database | Next: Surfin': Some Short Bits |
